Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Fluff Salad is a refreshing and light option that combines the sweetness of oranges with the creamy texture of cottage cheese and Cool Whip. The hint of orange Jello adds a burst of citrus flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the creamy ingredients. It’s not only incredibly easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a cookout, potluck, or holiday meal. Plus, it’s the type of dessert or side dish that can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other preparations.
Ingredients
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1 package orange gelatin powder (3 ounces)
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup orange juice
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8 ounces cottage cheese (1 cup)
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8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
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8 ounces mandarin oranges (1 cup)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Dissolve the orange Jello in the boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
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Add the orange juice and stir until mixed well.
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Refrigerate the gelatin mixture until it begins to thicken but is still liquid. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
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Drain the mandarin oranges and stir them into the gelatin mixture, along with the cottage cheese and Cool Whip.
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Refrigerate the salad for about 2 hours or until firm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 45 minutes
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Chilling Time: 2 hours
Variations
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Different Jello flavors: Experiment with different Jello flavors, such as strawberry, lemon, or lime, for a fun twist.
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Add-ins: Stir in mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra flavor and texture.
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Fruit options: Replace mandarin oranges with pineapple chunks, peaches, or even mixed berries for variety.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dish. Simply keep it chilled and serve cold.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of Jello?
Yes! You can swap out the orange Jello for other flavors such as strawberry, lime, or peach, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Orange Fluff Salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better after chilling for a longer period of time.
3. Can I substitute the Cool Whip for something else?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
4. Can I use fresh oranges instead of mandarin oranges?
While mandarin oranges are the best option for this recipe, you can use fresh orange segments. Be sure to drain any excess juice before mixing.
5. How do I thicken the gelatin mixture properly?
Allow the gelatin to sit in the fridge for 30-45 minutes until it begins to thicken, but before it gels completely. This will ensure a smooth, fluffy consistency once the salad is mixed.
6. Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
Yes! Mini marshmallows can be added for extra sweetness and texture. Stir them in along with the Cool Whip and cottage cheese.
7. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and use a non-dairy whipped topping instead of Cool Whip.
8. Can I freeze Orange Fluff Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the whipped cream and cottage cheese may change. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or after chilling in the fridge.
9. Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of low-fat?
You can use regular cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit richer. Low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese is commonly used to keep the salad lighter.
10. How do I make the salad firmer?
If you want a firmer consistency, let the gelatin mixture chill a bit longer before mixing in the other ingredients. Just ensure that it’s still pourable.
Conclusion
Orange Fluff Salad is a timeless recipe that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and citrusy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a casual cookout, this dish is sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation and versatility in flavors makes it a go-to option for any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dessert or side that everyone will love.
Print
Orange Fluff Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Orange Fluff Salad is a light and creamy dessert or side dish made with orange Jello, cottage cheese, Cool Whip, and mandarin oranges. This nostalgic recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or summer gatherings, offering a refreshing citrus flavor with a fluffy texture.
Ingredients
1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin powder
1 cup boiling water
1 cup orange juice
8 ounces (1 cup) cottage cheese
8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
8 ounces (1 cup) mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
- Add the orange juice and stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for 30–45 minutes, until it begins to thicken but is still liquid.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and fold them into the gelatin mixture along with the cottage cheese and Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the salad is set and firm.
Notes
Experiment with different Jello flavors such as strawberry, lemon, or lime.
Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Try swapping mandarin oranges with pineapple, peaches, or mixed berries.
Can be made a day in advance and chilled until serving.
Best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
